Waste Land: Brigadeiros (Brazilian Chocolate Truffles)

makes 8-10

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces), whole or fat-free

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons cocoa powder (some recipes suggest Nesquik, but regular cocoa powder is fine)

Toppings: coconut flakes, chocolate sprinkles, ground nuts, powdered sugar, cocoa powder (see 2nd note)

Add milk, vanilla extract and butter in non-stick pot or pan and heat on LOW heat.

When butter melts, add cocoa powder.

Stir with non-stick spoon or spatula. Keep stirring, never stop stirring. Don't walk away. Don't answer the phone. Do nothing but stir. If you even look away it will burn. Continue stirring until mixture thickens and starts to pull away from bottom of the pot. It will pop and bubble as it cooks - that's good, but keep stirring. About 10 minutes total till gluey-paste-like.

Turn off heat and continue to stir until it stops bubbling, then pour into a large glass or similar dish/plate and spread out with non-stick spatula. Let sit for about 30 minutes until completely cool to touch. It should not run at all and you should be able to turn the plate upside down and it will be firm. You should be able to run your fingers on top of it without it sticking to your hands.

Coat your hands in butter (or oil if you must) and, using a soup spoon, scoop up a small ping-pong sized amount of chocolate goop. Roll in preferred topping and make into ball. Put each in a little paper cup holders to serve.

NOTE: You might also consider non-traditional additions into the pot, such as a little dark rum, coconut rum, or orange liqueur....

NOTE: Traditionally, it's chocolate sprinkles as preferred topping. I made a mix of 2T cocoa powder, 1T ancho chile powder, 1T cinnamon to roll some of the brigadeiros. You might also want to try ginger, coriander or other spices.

Found at: http://chef-du-cinema.blogspot.com/2010/11/tv-bites-waste-land.html